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[India] Yupia (Arunachal Pradesh) India defeated Sri Lanka 8-0 in their Group B opener at the Golden Jubilee Stadium to start their South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) U19 Championship title defence in stunning manner.

Danny Meitei Laishram (26′, 31′, 50′) scored the tournament’s first spectacular hat-trick to finish off Friday’s overpowering game, while Prashan Jajo (17′, 62′) scored a brace in an all-around performance. An All India Football Federation (AIFF) news release said that captain Singamayum Shami (81′), Omang Dodum (48′), and Md Arbash (40′) each scored one goal.

From the opening whistle of the first international football tournament in Arunachal Pradesh, the hosts, supported by a boisterous home crowd, made their intentions clear. India controlled every square inch of the pitch with deft passing, astute movement and relentless pressure, leaving Sri Lanka in the background.

India’s attackers ripped through Sri Lanka’s disorganised backline, while their midfield, commanded by a calm and disciplined group, controlled the pace with deft passing. Arbash and Rohen Singh were particularly dangerous on the wings, launching assault after attack.

India took a well-earned lead in the 17th minute when Prashan Jajo broke down the left wing, beat his opponent with speed and accuracy, and then hammered home from a tight angle. Only nine minutes later, Danny scored a goal with a perfectly placed header after Omang Dodum pounced on a miscalculated backpass from Sri Lanka.

When Danny scored again in the 31st minute, this time with a strong left-footed shot from 21 yards out that sailed past hapless Sri Lanka goalkeeper Nadal Aaron Senapala, India took a 3-0 lead. Before halftime, Danny floated a cross into the box, and Jajo deftly headed it into Arbash’s path, who tapped it in with ease. This was the fourth goal.

With the same vigour as the first half, the second half got underway. Omang Dodum, a local favourite, scored in the 48th minute after displaying incredible movement to beat his marker and then slot between Senapala’s legs. After taking advantage of a defensive blunder by Omith Edirisinghe, Danny finished neatly from close range to complete his hat-trick a few minutes later, making it 6-0.

Senapala missed an easy header from India captain Singamayum Shami, sending the ball into the path of the striker who tucked home, and Jajo added his score in the 62nd minute. Shami himself displayed individual genius in the 81st minute, dancing past two opponents and scoring cleanly from a tight angle to score the eighth and final goal.

India’s resounding win was a statement of purpose that was deadly in attack, fluid in midfield, and strong at the back. The Blue Colts demonstrated that they are still the overwhelming favourites to win the SAFF U19 championship, with the audience standing up and spirits high amid the rain-soaked hills of Yupia.

India U19: Aheibam Jodric Abranches, Sumit Sharma, and Suraj Singh (GK) Omang Dodum (Bharat Lairenjam 59′), Md Arbash (Gurnaj Singh Grewal 80′), Brahmacharimayum, Singamayum Shami (C), and Chaphamayum Danny Meitei Laishram (Ningthoukhongjam Rishi Singh 59′), Rohen Singh (Ahongshangbam Samson 59′), Malemngamba Singh Thokchom, Sohum Utreja, and Prashan Jajo (Yohaan Benjamin 69′).